Bill > SCR61

This concurrent resolution proclaims the week of September 15-21, 2025, as Military and Veteran Suicide Prevention Awareness Week in California, highlighting the critical issue of suicide among military service members and veterans. The resolution provides extensive context about the alarming suicide rates among military personnel, noting that in 2023, the Department of Defense reported 363 active military suicides, 69 reserve member suicides, and 91 National Guard suicides. It emphasizes that veterans, despite representing only 8.5% of the U.S. population, accounted for 18% of adult suicide deaths in 2014, with particularly high risks for middle-aged and older veterans. The resolution acknowledges efforts by the Department of Defense and Veterans Affairs to prevent suicide, including the "Be There" peer coaching program and a 24/7 veterans crisis hotline. By designating this awareness week, the resolution aims to promote public education about suicide prevention, encourage recognition of warning signs, and foster collaboration among service members, veterans, service providers, and advocates to address this critical mental health challenge facing military communities.

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billStatusClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260SCR61